Attack Aircraft Ammunition Rack With Synchronized Cover Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for taking ammunition out of racks in attack aircraft are complex, heavy, and expose equipment to adverse aerodynamic effects when covers are closed.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator system with a transmission mechanism that synchronously opens and closes the ammunition rack cover and moves the ammunition, using a rotational movement to minimize exposure to aerodynamic loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator system with transmission mechanism is used to synchronously move cover and ammunition, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but the transmission mechanism design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover actuation and ammunition extraction functions into a single actuator system. The transmission mechanism transmits rotational movement from the actuator to both the cover and the ammunition carrier, allowing one actuator to perform two functions simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of actuators and overall system complexity while maintaining synchronized operation of cover and ammunition.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to both open/close the cover and extract/return ammunition. The transmission mechanism distributes the actuator's rotational movement to multiple components (cover and ammunition carrier), enabling one actuator to serve multiple purposes. This universal design reduces weight and complexity compared to having separate actuators for each function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover remains closed during ammunition extraction, then equipment is protected from aerodynamic effects, but the ammunition cannot be accessed or launched
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is designed to move the ammunition out of the rack before the cover is opened. By performing the ammunition extraction action first, the system ensures that when the cover is subsequently opened, the ammunition is already positioned outside the protected space, minimizing exposure to aerodynamic effects during the critical extraction phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, synchronized movement of the cover and ammunition carrier through the transmission mechanism. Rather than static positions, both components move together in a coordinated manner, allowing the ammunition to be extracted while the cover is in transition, optimizing both protection and accessibility.
3Productivity
If the cover is opened at high speeds, then ammunition can be quickly accessed, but equipment inside is exposed to aeroacoustic vibrations that reduce lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism moves the ammunition out of the rack before the cover is fully opened. This preliminary extraction action ensures that equipment remaining inside the rack is not exposed to high-speed aerodynamic effects and aeroacoustic vibrations, protecting equipment lifespan while still enabling quick ammunition access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly transitions the cover and ammunition through the vulnerable open position, minimizing the time equipment is exposed to harmful aerodynamic effects. The synchronized movement allows the cover to be opened quickly while the ammunition is already positioned to reduce exposure time, balancing speed with equipment protection.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a body (2), at least one rack (3) on the body (2) in which ammunition (M) is located and carried, at least one cover (4) protecting the rack (3) from aerodynamic effects, a first position (I) in which the ammunition (M) is located in the rack (3) and the covers (4) are closed, a second position (II) in which the ammunition (M) is located outside the rack (3) and the covers (4) are opened, and an actuator (5) enabling the ammunition (M) to be rotatingly brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II).